Ask Retired Deputy Joe: Remember, there's no free lunch

Q: Recently I received several telephone calls about a company installing a free residential alarm system. I immediately hung-up — remembering you saying: “There Is No Free Lunch.” By the way I already have an alarm system. Can you give me some information about these calls?

A: The Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners about home security companies selling by going door-to-door, telephone soliciting and email. A salesperson representing the security service will offer to install a new system at no cost even if you already have a security alarm system. The salesperson promises that his/her company will pay off the remaining balance on your old system. And you can expect to save $20 a month once the new system has been installed. This is a classic approach, one that often works on unsuspecting customers. What actually happens; When a bill arrives in the mail stating you owe money on the old alarm system, plus an additional late fee — meaning the new company didn’t pay off the remaining balance with the other security alarm system. The home owner will have to pay the old company and the new one. Like I said “No Free Lunch.”

When purchasing a residential alarm system, I recommend the following:

(1) Check with neighbors, trusted friends and relatives to get first hand information about the alarm company they use.

(2) Always use local established businesses that have references that you can check out.

(3) And yes! Do check the company out with the “Better Business Bureau.”

Don’t fall for any one calling you on the telephone to give you something for nothing — there is always a catch.

Note: If your present alarm system is working properly and you are happy with company — don’t leave. Loyalty has value.

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“Ask retired Deputy Joe” is available to anyone interested in asking him questions, but is particularly geared to questions from senior citizens. Deputy Joe is retired from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. His career spanned 45 years in law enforcement. To ask him a question, email joe12@att.net.